Agenda item

To consider submission of a response, as delegated to the Committee by the meeting of the Council (Minute 462 28.07.2025 Refers)

The Committee received and considered Oxfordshire County Council’s proposed Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) for the A40 Barnard Gate junctions. Submission of the Councils response had been delegated to the Committee by the meeting of the Council (Minute 462 28.07.2025 Refers)

Members agreed on the following response for submission:

Members welcome the County Council’s focus on this long-standing area of concern. However, the Committee had several important observations and concerns to raise:

1. Incomplete Crash Data:
Members felt that the crash data referenced in the proposal appears incomplete and does not provide a full picture of incidents along this stretch of the A40. As a result, the justification for the proposed measures seems insufficient and may not reflect the true scope of the safety issues.

2. Omission of South Leigh Junction (Westbound):
There is particular concern that the proposal does not include any restrictions for the South Leigh junction westbound. Members fear that implementing right-turn bans at the Barnard Gate junctions without addressing this nearby junction could simply shift the safety risk further down the road, particularly toward lay-by areas, creating a new accident hotspot rather than resolving the problem.

3. Need for a Broader, More Integrated Solution:
While the Committee supports OCC’s renewed attention to this high-risk area, they are disappointed by the limited scope of the current proposal. A more comprehensive strategy is needed to address safety along the wider stretch of the A40.

4. No Right Turn Restrictions:
The Committee would strongly support a 'no right turn' restriction from the A40 into both Barnard Gate junctions. Members believe this would reduce conflicting traffic movements and improve safety—similar to the successful layout used near the Esso garage further along the A40.

The Committee is grateful for the opportunity to provide input at this early stage and encourages Oxfordshire County Council to consider a more holistic approach to ensure lasting safety improvements along this route.

Resolved:

That, the above submission be made to Oxfordshire Country Council.